The Milwaukee Bucks extended their playoff hopes as they defeated the Celtics by 11 points behind a strong night from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis took 13 more shots in game six than he did in game five. The Greek Freak, who was heavily criticized over his low shot amount, came out firing in game six. Also fueling the Bucks were two 16 point games from Malcolm Brogdon and Khris Middleton.
To begin the first quarter two quick shots made Celtics HC, Brad Stevens, call a speedy timeout. After this timeout, the Celtics adjusted and stuck back and gained a six-point lead. The Bucks rallied back and kept it close until the Celtics ran up a lead nearing the end of the first quarter. The Bucks made an 8-0 run and finished the quarter down by two points. This was a new sight to fans, for most games have been separated by double digits at this point. The second quarter was big for the Bucks as they turned the deficit into a lead and watched it grow throughout the quarter. The defense was big in the quarter as they held the Celtics to 15 points in the quarter while the Bucks scored 26 points. This defense was very much needed to help stop the young shooting threats that Boston seems to have a factory of. The Bucks made the Celtics shoot tough shots deep in the shot clock and secured defensive rebounds which had been a trouble all year. The Bucks ended the half up by 9 points and with the momentum on their side.
The third quarter was very good for the Bucks, at least for the first few minutes. The Bucks took a double-digit lead then watched it slip away as the Celtics stepped up their game and hit the threes the Bucks knew they could not give up. The lead was down to two and the game was starting to slip away. The Bucks battled still, much like they have all season, to grow the lead again. After a few early points in the first half, Giannis really stepped up in the third quarter. The Bucks took over the game and had a comfortable lead heading into the fourth quarter. Despite this being a win or go home game many fans were more interested in who the Packers would draft. The fans at the game, which included Adam Silver and Bill Clinton, provided a booming crowd to make it tip in the Bucks favor. After a brief scare to begin the fourth quarter it was smooth sailing behind Giannis to finish out the game. Because the Bucks had the lower seed the forced game seven will be played in the ever so hostile T.D Garden. To win the series the Bucks will have to win a game on the road which no team has done in this series yet. In conclusion, a vital road game lays ahead of the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks Force Game Seven, Beat Boston Celtics 97-86
